Final answer:
Based on age, researchers might predict lower absenteeism for Frank, 59, who is likely seeking stability, compared to Kai, 28, who might still be exploring career options. This assumption stems from trends seen in employment age distributions affecting absenteeism and frictional unemployment rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers studying absenteeism in the workplace could predict that Frank, age 59, might exhibit lower absenteeism compared to Kai, age 28. Prime-age workers, between the ages of 25-54, are typically more settled in their careers and have a steady desire for job security and income, which could translate to consistent attendance. Conversely, younger workers, like Kai, could be exploring different job options and life choices, possibly leading to greater job mobility and potentially higher absenteeism.
Furthermore, the age distribution of a population affects frictional unemployment rates, which is the time spent between jobs. While younger workers tend to take longer periods in frictional unemployment due to job exploration, older workers, particularly those considering retirement, may have different attendance patterns as they might not prioritize employment as highly. This could potentially impact their attendance but is often offset by a desire to continue working and the stability that comes with many years of experience, as might be the case with Frank.